The need for computing systems that have robust security measures has become extremely important as a result of the growing danger posed by hardware attacks, such as side-channel attacks and fault injection.  In the hardware security domain many novel security measures are being developed, such as advanced techniques for side-channel resistance and fault tolerance. However, to evaluate these paradigms in practice, research and development is required across a variety of domains such as the development of secure circuits, resilient micro-architectures, secure system architectures, specialized compilers, and robust algorithms and implementations, in addition to the creation of dedicated design tools and methodologies.

The Computer Engineering (CE) section of the Department of Quantum & Computer Engineering (QCE) is looking for motivated candidates inspired to work on developing novel hardware security architectures and circuit design for hardware security. The role is to demonstrate secure implementations against hardware attacks and mainly side channels and/or fault injection for edge applications. The candidate will work on one more of the following aspects:

• Design and implementation of circuits and architectures resilient against side-channel attacks. The candidate will explore various circuit and architectural design techniques to develop robust and secure systems resistant to side-channel attacks.
• Design and implementation of circuits and architectures resilient against fault attacks. The candidate will explore various circuit and architectural design techniques to develop robust and secure systems resistant to fault injection attacks.
• Design of Hardware Fuzzer for the identification of hardware bugs that could lead to security vulnerabilities.

For these position, candidates are expected to have:

• Completed a relevant MSc degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science or any other related field relevant to PhD research;
• Good understanding of hardware security
• Good understanding of computer architecture with affinity for full-system simulation and design of complex computing systems;
• An affinity with teaching and guiding students;
• The ability to work in a team and take initiatives.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

From 1 September next, a salary increase of 3.7% applies due to a Collective Agreement amendment, followed by an additional 1% increase on 1 January 2025. 
In addition, most employees employed on 1 September 2024 will receive a one-off payment of €300 gross based on full-time employment.

The TU Delft offers a customizable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organize events to expand your (social) network.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.